Article by
Barbados Today

Published on
July 28, 2018

Those participating in the 2018 Junior Kadooment had a grand time today despite the early morning glitches.

All the colours of the rainbow were on display as the 17 bands made their way across the stage at Kensington Oval . By midday the Greenidge and Haynes Stand was packed with spectators who showed their approval with shouts and screams.

One of the largest to parade was last year’s winning band Fifth Element.

The band, led by Kevin Small, had 302 revellers playing mas under the theme Virtual Reality.

Small said there was great pressure to produce this year having won the 2017 Junior Kadooment and Grand Kadooment Designer of the Year award.

“I know I had to come and come strong. I come strong for my masqueraders more than anything else. First of all I am an artist and I am telling a story. I also want to inform my kids as well.”

When asked about his progress for Grand Kadooment he said: “Preparation for Grand Kadooment is coming along. As soon as we are done here today we out the Juniors behind us then it is full steam ahead from Monday.”

Meanwhile, The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) said there were ready for the kiddies to play mas’ at 930 a.m. but some bandleaders were not quite ready.

NCF Corporate Communications Specialist Simone Codrington said the bands were waiting on masqueraders to make up their numbers for the parade.

The glitch by the Party Stand, where the bands entered and assembled, was caused by parents who were demanding to go in through that gate with their charges.

“The bandleaders are the ones who should communicate to the band members and parents especially what the rules and regulations are. We understand that the kids want to see a familiar face but every parent can’t be allowed to go in with their child. The bandleaders would have to put the correct system in place to manage that.”(IMC)